Report of the roundtable discussion "Ideas to Action to Progress: The Innovation Journey From Academia to Industry", which took place during the Point Zero Forum 2024
September 2024
This white paper synthesises insights from a roundtable discussion on accelerating the transition of innovations from academia to industry, especially in sustainable digital finance. Key themes included the need for robust institutional support, innovative funding models, public-private partnerships, supportive regulatory frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adapted investment strategies. Institutions such as universities and central banks are urged to foster sustainable economic growth by supporting the commercialisation of academic research.
Funding emerged as a significant barrier, particularly for early-stage ventures in clean tech and hard tech sectors. Traditional venture capital models, with their short-term horizons, often fail to support the long-term, high-risk nature of sustainable technologies.
The discussion highlighted the need for new financial intermediation models that provide patient capital, with institutional investors like university endowments and pension funds identified as potential sources. Additionally, public-private partnerships (PPPs) were recognised as crucial for driving sustainable innovation by providing the necessary resources, expertise, and regulatory support to scale sustainable technologies. By implementing these actionable insights, stakeholders can create a conducive environment for the commercialisation of sustainable technologies, addressing global challenges such as climate change and driving progress towards a more sustainable future.
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